Work starts on new homes at controversial Crackley Triangle site

Sam Jackson

Work has already started on a controversial plan to build 93 homes on a site near Common Lane.

The planned homes on the Crackley Triangle site were approved by Warwick District Council’s planning committee by just one vote at the end of January, despite the sizes of the homes going against council guidelines.

Now, several trees next to the Kenilworth Greenway and the site have been felled in preparation for construction work.

Workers will need to access the Greenway to help build the access bridge to the site, which caused much of the controversy due to its high cost and narrow width. The bridge will be located between two existing bridges on Common Lane.

Jenny Jones, of nearby Woodland Road, raised concerns over the disruption to the Greenway.

She said: “This is not going to mix well with the many children, dogs, walkers and cyclists who currently use and enjoy the path.”

The council’s planning committee first granted permission for the homes in 2014.

But developers Bloor Homes then changed the plan, asking to increase the number of private four and five-bedroom houses from 11 to 33, and to reduce the number of two-bed and three-bed homes to keep the scheme viable.

They also wanted to contribute £623,000 less towards the 37 affordable homes on the site.

Their changes were accepted by the council’s planning committee after a long debate.